Featured Fundraiser: Urban Improv
Urban Improv is a nonprofit located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, MA. Their goal is to utilize improvisational theatre to provide a medium for at risk youth to discover self-exploration, self-expression, and critical decision making. With their innovative and interactive curriculum, Urban Improv help develop problem solving, cooperation, and leadership skills their students build upon for their futures. By putting their students in challenging, real life situations, Urban Improv’s program is “a rehearsal for life.”
Fundraise.com spoke to the Urban Improv team via email to find out more about their efforts and initiatives.
How did the Urban Improv get its start?
Urban Improv got it starts 20 years ago when the founders Kippy Dewey, Toby Dewey and Lisa Schmid saw a great need to work with BPS around issues of violence.
What motivates you in your fundraising efforts?
What motivates us in terms of fundraising is providing quality programs for children in our Boston community to supplement their academic work; it is 100% about giving to children whose lives matter, yet need the support and experiences to give them powerful voices, strong decision making skills and a belief in themselves.
What is your favorite part of working with UI?
Favorite part of working with UI is the range of kids we serve — 4th - 8th grade.
Who benefits from your fundraising efforts?
Over 7,000 students in the greater Boston area benefit from our workshops each year.
What advice do you have for aspiring fundraisers?
My primary advice for aspiring young fundraisers is to sharpen your personal skills and have a passion for your cause.
What goals are you trying to reach by fundraising?
Goals for fundraising are determined by what are revenue needs are for the year to cover the costs of the nonprofits expenses; to this end, about 50% is raised via annual fundraiser; 30% individual gifts and the rest from grants and foundation gifts.
Do you have any additional notes or stories about your cause you would like to share?
Urban Improv is blessed because of its loyal donors, volunteers and committmed staff. Without ALL of their belief in the at risk children of Boston UI would never work. Our work matters!
For more information about Urban Improv, please visit: Online At Risk Youth Fundraising
